Is your home’s depressing décor starting to get you down? A lot of things can influence our mood, but something as simple as modifying your home’s décor could be all that’s need to lift your spirits. Here are just a few design ideas that can help to make your home a cheerier place.

Cull the clutter

A cluttered home could be making you stressed. Studies have found that a cluttered bedroom can affect sleep quality. There’s a reason why many of us feel a sense of catharsis after tidying up or getting rid of lots of junk – our brains react well to a sense of space and orderliness. By getting your clutter problem under control, you could start to feel happier. The likes of House Method’s design inspiration section have lots of minimalist ideas to consider that could motivate you to get rid of some of your stuff. You may not have to get rid of items to make a difference – simply using storage solutions to contain your clutter could help to make your home feel more orderly.

Spruce the place up with plants

Houseplants have been found to have many physical and mental health benefits (this article at NBC news offer information on just some of these benefits).Not only does having a bit of greenery in the home help us to stay connected to the natural world, it can also help boost concentration and clear the mind.Scented plants such as lavender and jasmine also have a soothing effect on the brain that can help to combat stress and help improve sleep quality. Start placing more plants around your home and see what difference it has on your mood.

Let there be light

Brightening up your home is also guaranteed to brighten up your mood. Letting more natural light into your home can be particularly effective – a lack of vitamin D from the sun has long been linked to depression. There are lots of ways to let more natural light into your home, the most extreme being to add extra windows (for example, adding a skylight in a dimly-lit kitchen). You could also help to reflect light with certain surfaces and materials. Mirrors are excellent for doing this and can be effective when placed opposite a window. Laminated floors, chrome steel furnishings and ceramic tiles can also help to reflect light and brighten up a room.

Use colour psychology

Certain colours have been found to influence our mood. Whilst neutral colours have become popular nowadays, too many grey hues could have a negative effect on our mood, especially in winter. It’s worth trying out flecks of other colours. Reds and oranges are fiery colours that can help to create a sense of energy – they are best suited to kitchens and living rooms where much of the socialisation and action goes on. Blues and greens meanwhile are better suited to the bedroom and bathroom as they create a sense of calmness. Try experimenting with colours and see how it makes you feel.

Embrace curves

Too many sharp geometric patterns could make your home feel too cold and rigid. Consider sofas and armchairs with a more softer and curvy look – this will help to create a feeling of comfort. You could also consider round light fittings and round tables to help emphasise this feeling. Sharp and angular features may not make as much of an impact in the kitchen – this is a place of practical work that can benefit from this sense of rigidness.

Surround yourself with happy memories

Whilst clutter can be bad for our stress levels, it’s still beneficial to have some personal belongings. Reminders of happy times in our lives such as photos and souvenirs can help to create a happier environment. Get rid of items that you associate with sad times in your life such as reminders of past relationships or photographs of sad events.

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